THE Department of Health (DOH) in Central Luzon, together with the Project Red Ribbon, World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines, and UNAids Philippines, launched on Thursday, January 14, 2021, the Love on Wheels Project in Central Luzon.
The Love on Wheels Project is aimed to aid in the intervention gaps and resource constraints of hummanimmunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infection (HIV/STI) facilities and community-based organizations in the region.
It also assures continuity of essential public health services and forges toward better normal implementation in Central Luzon in the light of the Covid-19 Pandemic.
“We are sharing the love to Central Luzon through this project, which is aimed to cushion the effects of Covid-19 to our HIV services," said Project Red Ribbon President Ico Rodulfo.
Rodulfo also called on private sector to participate in various programs that are geared toward raising awareness against HIV and helping people living with it.
A total of 28 electronic bikes were officially distributed to selected local government units, HIV treatment hubs, primary HIV care clinics, and community-based organizations through this project.
The provision of electronic bikes are intended to capacitate local service providers and partner organizations in implementing, managing and sustaining a comprehensive package of services on HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (Aids) prevention and management during the pandemic.
UNAids Philippines Director Dr. Louie Ocampo cited the positive effects on the health sector the ongoing pandemic have brought.
“I think let's look at the positive effect of Covid-19 and how the health sector is reacting on it by implementing innovative approaches, such as e-bikes which bring the services closer to the community if not at their doorsteps," he said.
DOH-Central Luzon Regional Director Cesar Cassion, for his part, cited the benefits of collaborations with different organizations in redefining the campaign of HIV/Aids prevention and management.
“Love on Wheels exhibits the value of multi-sectoral partnership in public health interventions, especially with the HIV Program. It is a reminder of our concerted efforts gearing towards our vision of Universal Health Care," he said.
As of November 2020, Central Luzon has recorded 8,089 cumulative cases from 1984 (10 percent of the national epidemic).
The department is still encouraging the community to intensify efforts on prevention, testing, treatment initiation and adherence.